Three appellants, Thomas Dooley Jnr, Patrick Dooley, and Michael Dooley, appeared before the Court of Appeal to challenge their convictions for the murder of Thomas Dooley at Rath Cemetery, Tralee, on October 5, 2022. The State alleged the men participated in an honour killing using bladed weapons. All had pleaded not guilty. At trial, five defendants received life sentences, while a male teenager was found guilty of murder but not sentenced, as he was expected to seek judicial review. Thomas Dooley Jnr was also convicted of assault causing harm to Siobhán Dooley. Today, the court jailed him for four-and-a-half years for that assault, backdated to November 16, 2022, to run concurrently with his life sentence. Counsel for Thomas Dooley Jnr argued his arrest and detention were unlawful, while counsel for Patrick Dooley contended a leading question regarding a sword was improperly admitted. The appeal continues tomorrow before the three-judge court. The matter was adjourned and is not concluded.
A High Court judge has praised a woman who was sexually abused by her uncle for her victim impact statement, which she said would help other survivors 'find their voices'. Justice Karen O'Connor told the woman that she should be proud of what she had done to help other victims. The woman's uncle, now aged 63, had pleaded not guilty to a number of charges but was convicted by a jury following a trial last year on three charges of indecent assault. The offences occurred between February 1988 and December 1988 in the child's grandmother's home, where the uncle was living. The court heard that the then 25-year-old man would regularly get into bed with the then five-year-old child naked and rub his body against her. Ms Justice O'Connor remanded the man in custody and adjourned sentencing to later this month. She spoke directly to the complainant and thanked her for her 'very eloquent and detailed report'.
A 20-year-old man has pleaded guilty to eight counts of sexual assault and one count of anal rape of a child between January and August 2021. The accused, who was aged between 15 and 16 at the time of the offences, sexually abused his 11-year-old cousin over a period of months. The abuse ended when the victim's younger brother informed their mother of the incidents. The victim, now 20, described the impact of the abuse in a victim impact statement, stating it had a 'life-altering affect' on him, leading to a diagnosis of PTSD, social anxiety, and depression. He outlined the ongoing effects on his mental health, education, and social life. The accused admitted guilt and the injured party did not have to give evidence. The case is at the sentence stage, and Ms Justice Melanie Greally adjourned the sentencing hearing until March 2, 2026, when a probation report will be available and a plea in mitigation will be heard from the defence legal team.
A 15-year-old driver, now 18, broke a garda's hand during a struggle as he was being removed from a stolen car during a high-speed chase on the M50. The incident occurred on August 24, 2023, when the teenager drove dangerously, including on the wrong side of the motorway and ramming a patrol car. The garda, Detective Garda Kate Gilligan, described the danger posed to road users and herself during the pursuit. The defendant pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including reckless endangerment, assault, and damaging a garda vehicle. Judge Orla Crowe noted the danger of the driving and commended the gardai for their evidence. The judge imposed suspended custodial sentences of 18 months and required the defendant to engage with the Probation Service. The garda sustained two broken bones in her hand and was out of work for 11 weeks. The defendant expressed remorse and cooperated with gardai, though he claimed he did not steal the car. His legal team highlighted his maturity and cooperation with the investigation.
The mother of a four-year-old boy, who was murdered by his stepmother, described her son as a "beautiful, clever, happy and caring" child. The stepmother, a woman in her 30s, pleaded guilty to the murder and two counts of child cruelty. The boy was found unresponsive after falling from his bed, with multiple bruises and injuries indicating non-accidental abuse. The father, who had previously pleaded guilty to endangerment and neglect, was sentenced to seven years. The stepmother will be sentenced to life imprisonment. The boy's mother expressed her devastation, recalling the child's love for his siblings and his kindness. The court heard that the boy had been physically abused for weeks before his death, with the stepmother admitting to shaking him and striking his head. The case has raised significant concerns about child abuse and the failure of the father to protect his son.
A young man who raped a 15-year-old girl in a field near a housing estate in north Dublin has been jailed for three years. The man, now 19, was found guilty of rape, attempted oral rape, sexual assault, and assault causing harm in March 2022. He was 16 at the time of the incident. The attack began with consensual kissing but escalated when he refused to stop touching the girl despite her repeated requests. He became aggressive, choking her and telling her, "You're mine," before proceeding to rape her. The victim reported the attack to her mother, who subsequently threw her out of the house. The girl ended up homeless and in hostels, suffering severe mental health issues. Mr Justice Patrick McGrath described the victim impact statement as harrowing, noting the catastrophic effect on the girl. He stated that if the defendant had been an adult, the sentence would have been eight years. However, considering his age, he imposed a three-year sentence, suspending the final year to encourage rehabilitation.
A man convicted of raping a woman as she slept beside her boyfriend and newborn baby in County Donegal has failed in his appeal against conviction at the Court of Appeal. Shaun O'Donnell, aged 35, was sentenced to eight years' imprisonment in August 2024 following his conviction on one count of rape and one count of sexual assault. The offence occurred on 26 March 2021 at a home in Donegal. O'Donnell's appeal argued that the trial should have been stayed because two items of the victim's clothing were unavailable for DNA testing. Ms Justice Nuala Butler rejected the appeal, finding that O'Donnell had introduced a new argument not raised at trial. She noted that DNA testing on available items had proved negative and that substantial evidence remained for the jury to consider, independent of forensic analysis. The judge stated the law does not impose an obligation on crime victims to preserve evidence. O'Donnell has not accepted the verdicts nor expressed remorse.
The 40‑year‑old defendant, whose name is withheld to protect complainants, was convicted in December 2023 on nine counts of sexual assault under the Criminal Law (Rape) Amendment Act 1990. The offences, alleged to have occurred between March 1996 and July 2002, involved three women who were aged six, seven and 17 at the time. The defendant, aged 11 to 17 during the alleged acts, was jailed for four years by Mr Justice David Keane in April 2024. He appealed on two grounds: that the trial judge should have severed the charges relating to the third complainant from those involving the first two, and that a doli incapax defence should have been granted. The Court of Appeal dismissed both grounds, ruling that the judge's decisions were not erroneous and that sufficient evidence existed to rebut the doli incapax presumption. The appeal was dismissed by Mr Justice John Edwards. The case remains at the conviction stage.
Sarah Ryan, a victim of rape and coercive control by her former partner Nathan Grant McNulty, spoke out after he was jailed for eight years. Ms Ryan waived her right to anonymity, emphasizing the importance of speaking out against abuse. She described the experience as 'pure evil' and expressed a desire to 'turn my pain into purpose'. McNulty pleaded guilty to charges of rape and coercive control. The court heard that Ms Ryan suffered years of physical and emotional abuse, including beatings and threats. She described feeling trapped in a nightmare and suffering from severe depression and anxiety. The judge noted the aggravating factor of the relationship being intimate and domestic. McNulty received a nine-year sentence with the final year suspended under strict conditions. Ms Ryan's family, friends, and support organizations were thanked for their support. The case highlights the devastating impact of domestic violence and the importance of seeking help. Nathan Grant McNulty was convicted.
The Court of Appeal has upheld the murder conviction of Lee Canavan, who was jailed for life by the Special Criminal Court in June 2021 for his role in the 2016 killing of David 'Daithí' Douglas. Canavan, who pleaded not guilty, was found to have participated in a joint enterprise to murder Mr Douglas at Shoestown, Bridgefoot Street, Dublin 1, on July 1, 2016. The appellate court dismissed his argument that the prosecution wrongly relied on him being the triggerman, ruling that the case was properly based on common design. Canavan was also concurrently sentenced to five years for criminal damage to a getaway vehicle. This appeal follows earlier convictions in the case: Frederick 'Fat Freddie' Thompson was sentenced to life in 2018; Nathan Foley pleaded guilty to assisting a criminal organisation and received six years in 2019; and Gareth Brophy was jailed for ten years in 2020 for acting as a getaway driver. The court affirmed that Canavan's involvement in the meticulously planned execution was established by evidence of his movements with four vehicles and his participation in the attempted arson of a stolen Suzuki Swift.
The brother of Michael Tormey, a man fatally shot by his brother-in-law Christopher Devine in his own front garden, described his sibling as a 'decent, honest man' who paid the ultimate price for meeting people involved in the drugs trade. Devine was sentenced to life imprisonment for the murder of Mr Tormey, who was shot five times in his front garden. The court heard that Devine had a history of drug-related activity with Mr Tormey and had previously been involved in moving drugs. The jury rejected Devine's claim of diminished responsibility due to cocaine intoxication, finding that he acted deliberately. Victim impact statements highlighted the devastation caused to the Tormey family, with Mr Tormey's brother describing the murder as 'coldly' executed. Devine had no psychiatric history and had never taken psychiatric medication. The trial revealed that Devine had a history of previous convictions, mostly under the road traffic act, and had been involved in drug-related activity with Mr Tormey. Christopher Devine pleaded not guilty.
The Central Criminal Court sentenced three adults for offences against a 13-year-old girl during court-ordered access visits. A 34-year-old man, the aunt's partner, pleaded guilty to oral rape and sexual assault between July and September 2023. Ms Justice Mary Ellen Ring sentenced him to ten years for oral rape and three years for sexual assault, to run concurrently. She suspended the final 12 months and placed him under probation supervision for 12 months. The girl's father, aged 41, pleaded guilty to child neglect (September 2022–September 2023) and intimidation of a witness. He was sentenced to six years for intimidation and four years for neglect, to run concurrently. The final 12 months were suspended, with 12 months of probation supervision. The girl's aunt, aged 40, pleaded guilty to child neglect. She received a three-year sentence, with the final two years suspended for 12 months, and was placed under probation supervision for 12 months. The court noted the defendants exposed the child to alcohol and drugs. The father allegedly intimidated the child into dropping her complaint. All sentences were pronounced at the sentencing stage.
A 23-year-old man has been jailed for four years for the defilement of a 16-year-old girl whom he plied with alcohol. The Central Criminal Court heard that the defendant pleaded guilty to one count of defilement of a child under the age of 17 on February 16, 2025, in Co Westmeath. The injured party was extremely intoxicated and fell unconscious after consuming alcohol with the defendant and his friend. She was found in a highly intoxicated state near her home, with cuts to her hands, and an ambulance was called. The girl was also examined at a Sexual Assault Treatment Unit. Gardai obtained CCTV footage, and the defendant was identified and arrested. A victim impact statement was read to the court, which spoke of the fear and anxiety she had experienced. The defendant arrived in Ireland in June 2024 seeking asylum and was living in an IPAS Centre at the time of the offence. A probation report stated that the defendant has taken full responsibility for his actions and is deeply ashamed.
A man from Castlefinn, County Donegal has been sentenced to six and a half years imprisonment by the Central Criminal Court following his conviction for rape. Kevin McGovern, aged 28, was found guilty by jury of one count of rape committed on 21 August 2021. Two further charges, comprising sexual assault and burglary, resulted in a nolle prosequi after the jury could not reach agreement on these matters. Ms Justice Melanie Greally imposed a seven-year sentence with the final six months suspended. She identified grave aggravating factors, including breach of trust, the violation occurring in the victim's own home and bed whilst she slept, and the profound impact on the injured party. The judge noted McGovern's lack of previous convictions. He was directed to accept Probation Services supervision for twelve months following release. His sentence was backdated to 18 November when he entered custody. An earlier trial at Carrick-on-Shannon had been discharged following a procedural issue.
The Central Criminal Court jury trial of seven men accused of familial abuse has been adjourned until January 12 for the Christmas break. The accused, aged 32 to 55, have all pleaded not guilty to a combined total of 103 charges. The primary complainant, who is deaf, completed her evidence-in-chief via video-link with interpreters and an intermediary. She alleged that Accused F, her 32-year-old brother, raped and anally raped her between 2007 and 2010. Accused A, a 55-year-old uncle, is accused of one count of rape. Accused B, another uncle, faces eight counts of rape, oral rape, and anal rape. Accused C, 34, is accused of 45 counts of rape and anal rape against the primary complainant, plus further charges of sexual assault and rape against two other sisters, Complainant 2 and Complainant 3. Accused D, 33, pleaded not guilty to 19 counts of rape and three of anal rape. Accused E, 32, denied nine counts of anal rape and seven of rape. Accused G, 45, denied one count of rape. Ms Justice Caroline Biggs directed the jury to return on January 12, noting that preparatory work would occur during the break. All allegations remain contested, and no findings or sentences have been issued.
Riad Bouchaker, charged with assaulting a care worker and attempting to murder three children on Parnell Square in Dublin, is alleged to be unfit to stand trial due to a mental disorder, according to his defence lawyers. A consultant forensic psychiatrist testified that Bouchaker, who has a complex medical history, suffered a brain injury during the incident and had prior brain surgery. The psychiatrist stated that if Bouchaker is deemed unfit, he would be reviewed every six months by the mental health criminal law review board. Bouchaker, 51, faces multiple charges, including attempted murder and assault. The incident occurred on November 23, 2023, and involved a chaotic scene with multiple stab wounds to children and a care worker. The psychiatrist noted that Bouchaker has a history of epilepsy, a brain tumour, and partial blindness in his right eye. She found that he has moderate dementia and impaired judgment, making it difficult for him to understand the charges or mount a defence.
A 62-year-old man who sexually abused three children over several years had his sentence increased from five years and three months to eight years in prison after the Court of Appeal ruled the original sentence was unduly lenient. The man, who cannot be named to protect the victims, admitted to five charges of indecent assault. The Court of Appeal noted that the abuse was not a one-time incident but occurred repeatedly over a long period. The assaults involved digital penetration and genital touching, and the perpetrator exploited his position as a trusted neighbor and employee. The victims were preteens, while the perpetrator was significantly older, and the court emphasized the cruel exploitation of the age difference. The judge noted that the abuse was pre-planned and occurred when the victims were away from adults. A psychological report indicated the perpetrator had an intellectual disability, but the court ruled that this did not mitigate his culpability. The unnamed 62-year-old pleaded guilty.
A man from County Donegal has been sentenced to three years imprisonment by the Central Criminal Court following his guilty plea to sexual assault charges. The defendant, now aged 41, pleaded guilty in October to four sample counts of sexual assault occurring within the family home between 2003 and 2005, when the victim was aged between 10 and 13 years and he was aged between 19 and 21. Justice Karen O'Connor noted the offending was premeditated and characterised by a significant breach of trust. The judge highlighted aggravating factors including the age disparity, the victim's isolation following disclosure, and the fractured family relationships that resulted. The victim delivered a statement to the court describing the lasting psychological impact and the loss of her childhood innocence. Justice O'Connor commended the victim's courage and voice. The defendant has no previous convictions. The sentence was backdated to his entry into custody.
A man subjected his wife to a prolonged campaign of coercive control, sexual assault, and rape during the Covid-19 lockdown, leading to a nine-and-a-half-year prison sentence. The victim described the ordeal as a "prolonged campaign of domination" that culminated in a rape in June 2021. The court heard that the man threatened to expose her private matters, slapped her in front of her children, and repeatedly sexually assaulted her despite her repeated refusals. The victim suffered from PTSD and described the lasting psychological impact of the abuse. The judge noted the man's disregard for his wife's consent and the severe breach of trust. He imposed consecutive sentences and suspended the final 18 months on strict conditions, including no contact with the victim. The man has 10 previous convictions for breaching barring orders and has since expressed remorse, though the judge was skeptical of his sincerity. The unnamed accused pleaded not guilty.
In a Central Criminal Court hearing, Karl Fish (53) was convicted on two counts of rape and two counts of indecent assault, all committed between November 1988 and November 1990 when he was 16 or 17 and the victim was 14 or 15. The victim, a woman who was raped as a teenager by her cousin, testified that Fish had twisted the truth and tried to conceal his actions. Justice Karen O'Connor sentenced Fish to ten years for the rape offences, reduced to five years because of his age at the time, and further to four years to account for the delay in prosecution. The sentence reflects the seriousness of the offences and the impact on the victim, who expressed gratitude for the court's decision and her support network. No further legal outcomes are mentioned in the article. Karl Fish pleaded not guilty.
A Dublin man who was suffering from a severe relapse of schizoaffective disorder when he killed his girlfriend was found not guilty by reason of insanity. Austin Mangan (53) was found not guilty of the murder of Maud Coffey (41) after a psychiatric evaluation concluded that he was unable to refrain from committing the act. The court heard that Mangan had a long history of mental illness, including bipolar disorder and schizoaffective disorder, and had been treated with electroshock therapy. He had stopped taking his prescribed medication and had been drinking heavily before the incident. Mangan told psychiatrists that he believed the deceased was the devil and that he heard Lucifer laughing at him. The court accepted the defense's argument that Mangan was unable to control his actions due to his mental state. The jury spent over seven hours deliberating before delivering the verdict. The judge committed Mangan to the Central Mental Hospital for inpatient care and ordered a psychiatric assessment.
A father-of-four was found guilty of manslaughter for killing an 'intruder' who had stolen from his unlocked van and entered his partner's car. Patrick Murphy (35) was not found guilty of murder but was convicted of manslaughter. The jury heard that Murphy stabbed 20-year-old Jordan Ronan, who had stolen a Revolut card from Murphy's van. Murphy claimed he was acting in self-defense, but the court found that the force used was excessive. The prosecution argued that Murphy's actions were disproportionate, as he armed himself with a knife and deliberately stabbed Ronan in the chest. The defense claimed Murphy acted out of panic after his property was violated. The jury viewed CCTV footage showing Ronan entering Murphy's van and partner's car before Murphy ran out with a knife. The court accepted that the Revolut card found on Ronan belonged to Murphy. The judge will sentence Murphy in January 2026, and the Ronan family will be invited to make statements. The jury spent over seven hours deliberating before delivering the verdict.
At Castlebar Circuit Court, two parents have admitted to multiple counts of child cruelty following an investigation into the abuse of their six children. The case emerged after two teenagers walked into a garda station in the west of Ireland to report ongoing physical and emotional abuse. Over 188 secret audio recordings made by one of the young complainants were presented to the court, with extracts depicting instances of striking and verbal abuse directed at children as young as one year old. The defendants, a man in his fifties and a woman in her forties, changed their pleas to guilty after their trial commenced in May. The father pleaded guilty to four sample counts while the mother admitted two counts from a total of thirteen charges on the indictment. Evidence heard during sentencing proceedings this week included a recording of a 999 call made following an alleged serious assault on the eldest son. All six children were subsequently placed in emergency care. Sentencing is scheduled for Friday at Castlebar Circuit Court.
Rui Mendes, 45, of Ardrahan, Co Galway, was sentenced at Galway Circuit Criminal Court for one count of sexual assault committed at an address in Galway on November 27, 2021. The defendant pleaded guilty to the charge. Judge Brian O'Callaghan handed down an 18-month custodial sentence but deferred the commencement of the term to January 20 to allow Mendes to spend the Christmas holidays with his family. The judge suspended the final six months of the sentence in recognition of the substantial rehabilitation work undertaken by the defendant. Mendes was placed under the supervision of Probation Services for 12 months post-release. Additionally, the court ordered that €2,000, provided by Mendes as a token of remorse, be paid to the victim within four weeks. The judge noted that the assault occurred while the victim was asleep and was for self-gratification, despite her clear prior rejection of his advances. The matter was finalised with this sentencing order.
A woman who set fire to a bus during the 2023 Dublin riots, causing nearly €500,000 in damage, was sentenced to six years in prison. Leanne Kelly (34) told the judge to 'fuck off' and refused to provide a urine sample. She pleaded guilty to criminal damage after throwing a piece of cardboard, which she had set alight using a nearby burning garda car, onto the bus. The bus was empty but completely destroyed. Kelly, who was homeless and addicted to drugs at the time, was identified through 17,000 hours of CCTV footage. She had 66 previous convictions and was on bail for other offences. The court heard that the riots began after a stabbing incident earlier that day. Dublin Bus employees described the events as violent and threatening, with the company suffering a loss of about €1.9 million. Kelly's defence argued she had no political motivation and was under the influence of drugs. Judge Baxter noted Kelly's actions were 'gratuitous' and 'breathtaking' and that she fed into the 'mob mentality' of the riots.
A 64-year-old man, Richard O'Brien, who sexually abused and raped his sisters, niece, and daughters, is appealing his conviction, arguing that allowing victims to give evidence via video link was unfair. O'Brien was convicted of 63 counts of rape, sexual assault, and indecent assault against five victims between 1975 and 2011. His appeal focuses on the fairness of allowing some victims to give evidence by video link, as the defence claims the jury was deprived of seeing the witnesses in person. O'Brien's counsel argued that the medical reports did not justify the use of video link for some victims and that the lack of consent for certain rape counts was not adequately established. The prosecution countered that the judge had discretion in allowing video evidence and that the jury had an adequate opportunity to assess the witnesses' demeanour. The court will reserve judgment on the appeal.
Seven men, aged 32 to 55, are on trial at the Central Criminal Court, accused of 98 counts of sexually abusing a deaf woman between 1996 and 2013. All defendants deny the charges. The complainant, giving evidence via video-link with interpreters and an intermediary, alleged that Accused E (32) anally raped her at two locations. Accused E faces 16 counts of sexual abuse, nine counts of anal rape, and seven counts of rape. Accused A (55) is accused of one count of rape; Accused B (48) faces eight counts including rape and oral rape; and Accused G (45) is charged with one count of rape. Three brothers are also accused: Accused C (34) faces 45 counts of abuse, 22 counts of rape, and 23 counts of anal rape; Accused D (33) pleaded not guilty to 19 charges of rape and three counts of anal rape; and Accused F (32) denied five counts comprising anal rape and rape. Additionally, Accused C is charged with sexual assault of Complainant 2, two counts of rape and one count of anal rape of the same victim, and one count of anal rape of Complainant 3. The trial continues before Ms Justice Caroline Biggs and a jury.
Darragh Quigley, 26, of Carndonagh Road, Donaghmede, pleaded guilty to the attempted murder of Gretta McCullough, 64, on November 16, 2023, at Chatham Row, Dublin 2. At the sentence hearing in the Central Criminal Court, the court heard that Quigley followed Ms McCullough and her husband from the Powerscourt Centre before striking her from behind with a seven-inch knife. The blade passed through the back of her head, entering on the left and exiting on the right. Ms McCullough, who was watching the Christmas lights switch-on, removed the knife herself and handed it to her husband. She described the attack as random and unprovoked, stating it permanently altered her sense of safety. Quigley, who has no previous convictions but a history of mental health issues, told gardai the act was random and he had gone into town with a knife. Defence counsel Padraig Dwyer SC submitted that Quigley had ceased taking his antipsychotic medication and suffered from bipolar affective disorder. Mr Justice Paul Burns described the incident as a truly shocking and extremely serious offence. He remanded Quigley in custody today until January 19, when he will be sentenced.
Two men, Philip Disney (30) and Sean Carlyle (32), who were sentenced to life imprisonment for the murder of Vincent Parsons during a Stag night in 2019, have failed in their appeal to overturn their convictions. The attack, described as 'extraordinarily savage,' occurred near the Killinarden Inn on August 24, 2019, after Mr. Parsons became 'messy' and irritated Disney during a night out. The trial heard that following an altercation, the two men followed Mr. Parsons in a van and fatally assaulted him on a nearby green area. During the sentencing, Mr. Parsons' wife, Clare, expressed how his death had 'fallen apart' the lives of their two children. The Court of Appeal dismissed all grounds raised by Disney and Carlyle, including claims that evidence was prejudicial or that the trial judge made errors in rulings. The court upheld the conviction, noting that the CCTV footage was properly admitted and that the jury was correctly not discharged. The appeal also failed to challenge the admissibility of evidence, including statements made by the defendants during searches and interviews.
A jury is set to return to the Central Criminal Court to continue deliberations in the trial of Patrick Murphy (37), who is accused of stabbing 20-year-old Jordan Ronan to death outside his home in what he claims was an act of self-defense. Murphy has admitted to stabbing Ronan but has pleaded not guilty to murder. The jury heard that Ronan suffered a single fatal stab wound to the chest during an encounter in the early hours of July 26, 2024. CCTV footage showed Ronan entering Murphy's van and then Mr Murphy's partner's BMW, where the fatal incident occurred. Gardai found a Revolut card belonging to Murphy on the deceased's body. The prosecution argued that Murphy's use of force was disproportionate, noting that he armed himself with a knife, ran out of his house, and deliberately stabbed Ronan in the chest, with the blade penetrating 18cm into his chest cavity. The defense, however, argued that Murphy acted out of panic in the heat of the moment after his home was invaded by an intruder.
A trial is ongoing at the Central Criminal Court involving seven men, aged 32 to 55, accused of 98 counts of sexually abusing a deaf woman between 1996 and 2013. The complainant, who gave evidence via video-link with interpreters, alleges abuse by her three uncles and four brothers. All accused deny the charges. Accused A (55) faces one count of rape; Accused B (48) faces eight counts of rape, oral rape, and anal rape; and Accused G (45) faces one count of rape. Four brothers are also charged: Accused C (34) faces 45 counts of rape and anal rape, plus separate charges regarding two other sisters, including sexual assault and rape. Accused D (33) pleaded not guilty to 19 counts of rape and three of anal rape. Accused E (32) denied nine counts of anal rape and seven of rape. Accused F (32) denied five counts of anal rape and rape. The trial, set down for four months, continues before a 15-member jury after a pause due to the complainant's hospitalization.
Patrick Murphy, a father of four, is on trial for stabbing Jordan Ronan to death, claiming it was in self-defense. Prosecution barrister Patricia McLaughlin SC argued that Murphy used disproportionate force and took the law into his own hands. The defense, led by Ronan Kennedy SC, claimed Murphy acted out of fear for his family's safety after an intruder entered his home. The jury was shown CCTV footage showing Ronan entering Murphy's van and then his partner's BMW, where the fatal stabbing occurred. The prosecution emphasized that Murphy's actions were not justified, while the defense argued Murphy was protecting his family from a perceived threat. The judge instructed the jury on the possible verdicts, including murder, manslaughter, or not guilty, and asked them to deliberate on the intent and proportionality of Murphy's actions.
Patrick Murphy, a father of four, is on trial for stabbing Jordan Ronan to death, claiming it was in self-defense. Prosecution barrister Patricia McLaughlin SC argued that Murphy used disproportionate force and took the law into his own hands. The defense, led by Ronan Kennedy SC, claimed Murphy acted out of fear for his family's safety after an intruder entered his home. The jury was shown CCTV footage showing Ronan entering Murphy's van and then his partner's BMW, where the fatal stabbing occurred. The prosecution emphasized that Murphy's actions were not justified, while the defense argued Murphy was protecting his family from a perceived threat. The judge instructed the jury on the possible verdicts, including murder, manslaughter, or not guilty, and asked them to deliberate on the intent and proportionality of Murphy's actions.
A Dublin man, Austin Mangan, is on trial for the murder of his girlfriend, Maud Coffey, with psychiatrists differing on whether he qualifies for a not guilty by reason of insanity verdict. A defence psychiatrist testified that Mangan was suffering from a severe relapse of schizoaffective disorder and met the criteria for the insanity defence. However, a UK psychiatrist argued that while Mangan had a mental disorder, he was capable of refraining from killing. Mangan, who has a history of mental illness and multiple hospital admissions, told the psychiatrist he had stopped taking medication prior to the incident and was under the influence of alcohol. He claimed he believed his girlfriend was mocking him and that he heard Lucifer laughing at him. The psychiatrist concluded that Mangan was unable to refrain from committing the act, but the prosecution's expert disagreed. The trial continues with the court considering the expert testimonies.
A man described as a 'manipulative monster' with a history of violence against women has been sentenced to life in prison for the murder of his eight-year-old daughter and attempted murder of his partner. Muhammed Al Shaker Al Tamimi, who pleaded guilty to the crimes, was given a consecutive ten-year sentence for the attempted murder of his partner, Aisha Al Katib, which will be served before the life sentence. The court heard that Al Tamimi, who had previously held Aisha against her will and forced her to have sex without her consent, stabbed his daughter in front of Aisha, who was paralyzed and unable to move. Aisha described the moment as one of the most traumatic of her life, with Al Tamimi smiling directly at her as he cut his daughter's throat. The judge emphasized the domestic violence aspect of the case and the extraordinary level of violence, stating that the sentences were appropriate.
The Court of Appeal has ruled that the combined sentences of 35 years imposed on a notorious rapist were justified, as the offences are at 'the highest level of gravity.' Michael Murray, who was found guilty in 2021 of making death threats against his lawyers and harassing his victim, had appealed the severity of his 16-year sentence. The court dismissed the appeal, stating that there were no mitigating factors and that the sentences were justified given Murray's re-victimisation of his rape victim, the attack on the lawyers involved, and his 'appalling criminal record.' Murray, who has 34 previous convictions, including those for common assault, carrying firearms, robbery, and aggravated burglary, was sentenced to nine years for the threat to one lawyer and seven years for the threat to another. The judge ordered that these sentences be served consecutively to each other, for an effective operative sentence of 16 years. The court emphasized that the sentences were necessary to ensure that the punishment was 'condign but proportionate' and that the totality principle was correctly applied. Michael Murray pleaded not guilty.
Lee Byrne and Sam Garvey, who committed a 'senseless and violent' robbery in Dublin, have been jailed for one year after reoffending despite being given a chance by a judge. Both pleaded guilty to the robbery, which involved a victim being attacked and robbed on Phibsborough Road. Judge Elva Duffy initially adjourned the case for 12 months, giving them an opportunity for rehabilitation, but after they reoffended, she imposed a custodial sentence. Byrne and Garvey were involved in assaults and criminal damage, with Byrne serving a two-year sentence and Garvey in custody until next May. The victim suffered serious injuries and continues to feel the emotional impact of the attack. Both men expressed remorse and sought to address their addiction issues, but the court ruled that their reoffending made a custodial sentence necessary. The case highlights the challenges of rehabilitation for individuals with substance abuse issues.
A 'high risk' convicted rapist has been jailed for four years after a woman discovered him raping her with a carrot. The 63-year-old man, who has previous convictions for rape and sexual assault, pleaded guilty to raping the woman with an object in his home on dates between September and October 2023. The woman, who was a close friend of the man following the breakdown of her marriage, said her life has spiraled out of control since the incident. The court heard that the man was aware of her vulnerable position and took advantage of it. The woman's victim impact statement described the rape as having a 'tremendous' impact on her life, leading her to drink more to 'block out' the incident. The man, who has multiple health issues including mental health and addiction problems, wrote a letter of apology and is willing to engage with the Probation Service for his rehabilitation. Ms Justice Eileen Creedon imposed a six-year sentence, suspending the final two years on strict conditions.
A man who stabbed his 'friendly and soft-hearted' father 18 times during a psychotic episode has been found not guilty of murder by reason of insanity. Ross O'Rourke, who had a previous address in Tullow, Carlow, pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity to murdering his father, Stefan Nivelle Posschier, in Kinnegad, Co Westmeath in 2022. The jury returned a unanimous verdict in just 29 minutes, with the judge describing the trial as 'extremely difficult, especially for those who have lost a loved one.' Psychiatrists agreed that O'Rourke was suffering from a schizophrenic mental disorder at the time of the killing and met the criteria for the special verdict under the Criminal Law (Insanity) Act 2006. The trial heard that O'Rourke developed a delusion that his father was mixed up with criminals and the IRA and that he posed a threat to his life. He stabbed his father to death and then drove to a hospital, where he told his grandmother he had killed her son.
Derek Moore (AKA Hutch), a convicted killer with a long history of dangerous driving and drug use, was driving at 158km/h and under the influence of cannabis when he struck a Ukrainian grandmother, Valentyna Linck, in Dublin. Moore pleaded guilty to dangerous driving causing serious harm and driving under the influence. The collision left Linck with severe injuries, including facial and head trauma, a stroke, and a brain bleed. She spent a month in a coma and requires ongoing rehabilitation. Moore's driving was described as 'completely outrageous' by the judge, who ordered a probation report and adjourned the case for further proceedings. Moore, who has 44 previous convictions, including manslaughter and assault, was disqualified from driving for five years at the time of the incident. The court heard that Moore was high on cannabis and had a history of drug use, which contributed to his reckless behavior. The victim's medical costs and loss of income were estimated at over €250,000.
A criminal who assaulted, raped and coercively controlled his partner during a six-week relationship in which she endured 'violence and extreme degradation' will remain in prison after a court today rejected his appeal against conviction. Dean Ward (38), also known as Dean Alexander Fowkes, was convicted following a trial in June 2022 of twelve offences, including four assaults, one false imprisonment, one making a threat to kill, two counts of production of articles, three counts of rape and one count of coercive control on dates between June 11 and July 17, 2019. Ward, who was jailed for 17 years, does not accept the verdict of the jury and continues to maintain his innocence. He was also jailed in 2016 for four years for falsely imprisoning and assaulting a young mother in November 2015. Survivor Ms Sinéad O'Neill, who was the victim in both cases, was also convicted in the trial. At Ward's sentence hearing, Ms O'Neill told the court she had led a quiet, happy life and had wanted someone to share it with. 'It only took him six weeks to destroy me,' she said. The matter was adjourned at the appeal stage.
Ionut Danca has admitted to killing a Canadian tourist, Neno Dolmajian, in Dublin City Centre in July 2024 and has been allowed to remain on bail ahead of sentencing. Danca pleaded guilty to the unlawful killing of Dolmajian, who was assaulted on 23 June 2024 and died nine days later. His co-accused, Madalin Ghiuzan, pleaded guilty to assaulting Dolmajian. The Director of Public Prosecutions has accepted the pleas. Danca, a construction worker from Romania, had previously been charged with murder, while Ghiuzan had a manslaughter charge. It is expected that the murder and manslaughter charges will be dropped at the sentencing hearing. Both men have been on bail and have complied with all conditions. The case is listed for sentencing on 9 February, with the deceased's family invited to make statements to the court.
Court of Appeal President Ms Justice Caroline Costello has fixed a hearing date for Jozef Puska's appeal against his conviction for the murder of Ashling Murphy. The appeal is scheduled for April 23 and 24, 2026. Puska, who pleaded not guilty to murdering Ms Murphy at Cappincur, Tullamore, Co Offaly on January 12, 2022, was convicted by a jury and is serving a life sentence. His legal team indicated that submissions are advanced but await two relevant Court of Appeal judgments. Ms Justice Costello noted that waiting indefinitely was not viable and set the date to progress the listing of cases. The appeal is expected to last two days. Puska has been granted legal aid for the appeal. In related matters, his brothers Marek and Lubomir Puska were each sentenced to 30 months in prison for withholding information. Their wives, Viera Gaziova and Jozefina, received sentences of 24 and 21 months respectively for burning evidence. Additionally, Puska's partner, Lucia Istokova, pleaded guilty to withholding information and was sentenced to 20 months. These sentences were handed down earlier this year, prior to the start of the relatives' trial.
One of the getaway drivers involved in the Regency Hotel attack, during which Kinahan Cartel member David Byrne was killed, has suffered a stroke while in custody, a court has heard. Jason Bonney (55) and his co-accused Paul Murphy (64) were tried alongside Gerard 'The Monk' Hutch in 2022. Hutch was acquitted of the murder, but Bonney and Murphy were convicted of facilitating the murder by the rival Hutch criminal organisation. Their appeals against the convictions were dismissed in November, and they planned to appeal their sentences. Their cases were listed before the Court of Appeal, but Bonney's barrister informed the court that he had suffered a stroke in custody and requested a medical report from his treating consultant. Murphy's barrister stated that both men have been in custody since April 2023 and that their legal teams are seeking a hearing date for their sentence appeals. Ms Justice Caroline Costello noted that if Bonney's stroke was relevant to the case, information from the treating doctor was needed. Paul Murphy pleaded not guilty.
The Court of Appeal has adjourned sentencing appeals for two defendants convicted of murder while under 18, following a Supreme Court ruling restricting life sentences for child offenders. In the first case, a 19-year-old man was found guilty by a jury in 2022 of murdering Urantsetseg Tserendorj in Dublin in 2021, after pleading guilty to manslaughter. His counsel argued the case lacked the 'exceptional circumstances' required for a life sentence, citing lack of premeditation. The DPP countered that the attack was intentional and brutal. In the second case, a defendant who was four months shy of 18 pleaded guilty in 2020 to the murder of Cameron Blair in Cork. His lawyer argued his immaturity and lack of planning precluded a life sentence, while the DPP highlighted the use of a large knife. The Supreme Court previously ruled that life sentences for children are only appropriate in exceptional cases and that part-suspended sentences are permissible if detention continues past age 18. The three-judge court reserved judgment in both matters, meaning the appeals were adjourned rather than concluded.
A 31-year-old man who has pleaded not guilty to the murder of his father by reason of insanity told his grandmother that he had killed her son when she was lying in her bed in a hospital ward. Ross O'Rourke (31) of Tullow, Carlow, has pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity to the murder of his father, Stefan Nivelles Posschier (65). During the opening of the trial, Shane Costelloe SC said that expert psychiatrists for both the prosecution and defence are in agreement about the accused's mental state at the time of the murder. The court heard that Ms Kingston, the grandmother of the accused, was in her bed in the hospital ward on October 25, 2022, when O'Rourke told her that he had killed her son. Gardai found the body of the deceased under plastic tarpaulin held down with bricks. The prosecution's case is that the accused caused the death of his father, and the court will hear evidence from expert consultant psychiatrists about the accused's mental state at the time.
A 29-year-old woman from Coolaney, Sligo, has been sentenced to 21 months in prison after pleading guilty to making a false criminal complaint at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. Nicole Chambers alleged that a male prison officer had sexually assaulted her in a hospital cubicle whilst escorting her for medical treatment in August 2020. Hospital CCTV footage, corroborated by the officer's female colleague and medical staff, established that the officer never entered the cubicle and remained outside in accordance with protocol. When confronted with the footage, Chambers initially maintained her account before later retracting the allegation and apologising to the officer and prison service. Judge Martin Nolan described the allegation as malicious and self-serving, noting it had caused profound harm to the victim and could have resulted in a trial absent the camera evidence. The judge acknowledged Chambers' complex psychiatric history and functional neurological disorder but found she understood the distinction between right and wrong. She has 34 previous convictions, including an earlier custodial sentence for making false reports.
Suzanne Mangan, the accused in the murder trial of Maud Coffey, has pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity. The Central Criminal Court jury heard that the 53-year-old man admitted to killing his girlfriend at the Horizon Building in Ashtown, Dublin 15, on January 13, 2023. Prosecution counsel Brendan Grehan SC stated that the accused told gardai he killed Ms Coffey, referencing "the devil, the bible and to the killing of Lucifer." Ms Coffey, 41, died from asphyxia and sharp force trauma. The prosecution noted the accused had a history of non-compliance with medication for mental health conditions, including schizoaffective disorder. While the defense's psychiatrist argued the accused met criteria for insanity, the State's consultant forensic psychiatrist, Dr Richard Church, opined the disorder's severity entitled the jury to consider diminished responsibility rather than a full finding of insanity. The defense, represented by Patrick Gageby SC, made formal admissions that the accused killed Ms Coffey. The trial continues before Mr Justice Paul Burns and a jury of seven men and five women.
A jury has viewed CCTV footage of the moment Patrick Murphy, a father of four, fatally stabbed Jordan Ronan outside his home in what he claimed was an act of self-defence. Murphy has pleaded not guilty to murder, though he admitted stabbing Ronan. The trial heard that Murphy appeared slightly nervous when gardai arrived at his home shortly after the incident and muttered under his breath, calling the situation a 'load of bol****s'. Garda Dara Kelly presented CCTV footage from three houses on Drumcairn Avenue and a Ring doorbell, showing Murphy and Ronan between 3.07am and 3.13am. The footage indicated that Ronan approached Murphy's house, activating convenience lights in Murphy's van before moving to a BMW belonging to Murphy's partner. At 3.12am, Murphy was seen at the front door, and nine seconds later, he was seen standing back from the car. Garda James Cullen arrived at the scene and found Ronan being given CPR by firefighters. A Revolut card registered to Murphy was found on Ronan.
A jury has been sworn in to hear the trial of a 31-year-old man who has pleaded not guilty to the murder of his father by reason of insanity. Ross O'Rourke, from Tullow, Carlow, is accused of murdering Stefan Nivelles Posschier at The Stables in Rattin, Kinnegad, Westmeath, between October 24 and 25, 2022. The accused entered a plea of not guilty by reason of insanity. The trial will be presided over by Mr Justice Paul McDermott and will involve a jury of five men and seven women. The trial is expected to last up to four days. Counsel for the Director of Public Prosecutions is Shane Costello SC, while Michael Bowman SC represents the defence. Evidence will be presented by Dr Ronan Mullaney for the defence and Dr Anthony Kearns for the prosecution. The trial will commence tomorrow.